Donald Judd Style Bed
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Birch, Plywood
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2010s Vietnamese Dressers
Oak
Vintage 1930s American Signs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather
2010s Canadian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s American Modern Music Stands
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Console Tables
Concrete
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Nickel, Enamel, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Metal
2010s Brazilian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Metal
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Belgian Desks
Polyester
Vintage 1970s Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass, Steel
A Close Look at Minimalist Furniture
A revival in the popularity of authentic Minimalist furniture is rooted in history while reflecting the needs and tastes of the 21st century. Designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s aphorism that “less is more” influenced the evolution of 20th-century interiors with an emphasis on function and order. This was a shift from the 19th century, with its lavish Victorian decorating, and was spread around the world through design styles including Bauhaus and brutalism.
Yet Minimalism was present in furniture design long before the clean lines of modernism, such as in the simple and elegant utility of Shaker furniture. Although the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s and ’70s had little crossover with furniture design, artist Donald Judd was inspired by the Shakers in creating his own spare daybeds and tables from sturdy wood. (Judd, whose advocacy of symmetry also informed his architectural projects, furnished his Manhattan loft with unassuming but poetic works by iconic modernist designers such as Gerrit Rietveld and Alvar Aalto.)
Understatement rather than ornamentation and open space instead of clutter are central themes for a Minimalist living room and bedroom. As opposed to Maximalism, the focus for Minimalist furniture and decor is on simplicity and considering the design and purpose of every object.
Furnishings are usually made in neutral or monochrome colors and pared down to their essentials — think nesting coffee tables, sectional sofas and accent pieces such as ottomans. And Minimalist ceramics can help achieve a decor that is both timeless and of the moment. The organic textures and personalization of handmade craftsmanship associated with these works have served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary decorators. That said, while the thoughtful ergonomics of Scandinavian modern furniture, with its handcrafted teak frames, are at home in Minimalist spaces, so are the quietly striking pieces by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa that employ industrial materials like stainless steel, aluminum and plastic.
Minimalist furniture is not for making flashy statements; it boasts subdued appeal and excels at harmonizing with any room. And, as it encompasses many different movements and eras of design, it also never goes out of style, owing to its tasteful refinement.
Find a collection of Minimalist tables, seating, lighting and more furniture on 1stDibs.